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Partners

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is privileged to work with many local, tribal, state, national, and international partners. Tribal representatives regularly consult with and provide valuable assistance to the park. University researchers and archaeologists continue to investigate the history, resources, and mysteries of the site. Partnerships with local schools and colleges extend the educational reach of the park. Many other valuable partnerships have been developed that are vital to the preservation and continued legacy of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Here are just a few examples.

The Friends of Chaco is a nonprofit group created to assist and support the park. They engage in educational and outreach activities that benefit visitors and help protect the park. This all volunteer organization sponsors programs like special ceremonial dances performed at the park by local tribal groups. You can help support and preserve Chaco Culture National Historical Park by joining the Friends of Chaco.

Western National Parks Association (WNPA) is a nonprofit cooperating association that supports the interpretive activities of the National Park Service. WNPA operates bookstores at many National Park sites in the western U.S. and has an online store. In addition to developing publications, WNPA supports park research and helps fund programs that make park visits more meaningful.

Millions of children will never see the Milky Way because of the extensive use of artificial lighting in cities and other areas. The IDA works to protect the night skies for present and future generations. They advocate for the protection of the night sky, educate the public and policy makers about night sky conservation, promote environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and empower the public with the tools and resources to bring back the night sky.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is one of few places left in the continental U.S. with a natural, dark night sky. In 2013, Chaco was designated as an International Dark Sky site. The park works with IDA to preserve this natural, dark night sky by minimizing artificial lighting, using directed lighting, and other methods.

UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This World Heritage Convention treaty was adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

In 1987, Chaco Culture National Historical Park was designated as a World Heritage Site, joining the ranks of such sites as the Great Wall of China, the Acropolis of Greece, Petra in Jordan, Stonehenge in Great Britain, and others considered of outstanding value to humanity. The National Park Service is greatly honored to help preserve this site of world heritage.